On November 12, the very day the U.S. joined the military coalition Operation Free Sinjar against ISIS, Iraq enacted a law that will further victimize religious minorities, who have already endured horrific atrocities as the victims of ISIS genocide.

The National Card law’s Article 26 states: “Children shall follow the religion of a parent converted to Islam.” This applies to children if their mother marries a Muslim man or if either parent converts to Islam.

Leaders representing the Assyrian, Yezidi, Mandean, Kakai, and Bahai religions suggested this logical addition: “Minors will keep their current religion until the completion of 18 years of age; then they have the right to choose their religion.” These religious leaders walked out of Parliament in protest after Article 26 was passed without their change, 137 to 51.